Oldest Tiger-like Skull Yet—Hints Evolution Got It Right From Start
Author: Dave Mosher
Source: National Geographic News
Published: Oct. 18, 2011
Summary
The 2.5-million-year-old skull of a tiger-like prehistoric being, Panthera zdanskyi, was unearthed in China. This is the oldest known specimen related to modern big cats. The big cat that owned the skull lived in China between 2.16 and 2.55 million years ago. The skull is very similar to a modern tiger's skull, but it’s size is like the one of a jaguar.
Julie Meachen, a carnivore paleontologist at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, North Carolina, who wasn't involved in the study, said: “The skull is smashed a bit, but it's still really beautiful. I'd love to see it in person".
I think it's very interesting that the tiger evolved so fast, before 2.55 million years ago! Those tigers haven't yet changed their location, because tigers still roam China (South China tiger). They almost haven't changed, till now! I thought that only saber tooth tigers existed in that period (2.55 million years ago).
Cool! It is amazing how they had minor changes too!
ReplyDeleteNice!!! Interesting that the skull is similiar to modern skulls.
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